http://www.hotwired.com/Ren2.0/Twain/Rim/manjusri.html (The Risc Disc Volume 2, 10/1995)
M A N J U S R I
is a Buddha who refuses to become a Buddha - a "Boddhisatva" figure
(enlightened being) who wants to remain on the human plane to help
mankind evolve spiritually. Manjusri is the archetype of "transcendent
wisdom" and is considered to be the pioneer of wisdom teachings in the
human realm. The two so-called "wings" of Buddhism are compassion
(represented by the Boddhisatva Avalokitesvara) and wisdom
(represented by Manuusri, whose iconic figure is often depicted as
wielding the sword of wisdom, which he uses to slash through delusion
and ignorance).
